...

Diana, Kroma, and Tom stand suspended, their gaze riveted on the adversary. The silence is then broken by the sun reaching its zenith, sparking the humanoid bugs to scatter in different directions.

The Grasshopper, a whirl of green energy, springs towards the tranquil town.

The Waterbug skitters off towards a glistening body of water adjacent to the town.

The Pillbug, embodying a perfectly formed sphere, careens rapidly towards a distant rock bastion.

Lastly, the Unknownbug soars upwards, disappearing into the cloud-filled ether.

Diana "Hey! Come back here! You cowards! Dammit! Which one should we go after?!"

Kroma "The grasshopper one! It's going to attack the village!"

Tom "So let us not waste more time! We must secure the safety of the denizens of this fine town. Let's scurry away!"

Their gaze turns towards the town, marching purposefully into its throbbing heart. As they approach, a cavalcade of petrified eyes bears witness to the monstrous creature in front of the tower. An ominous crunch pierces the silence— Kroma vomits...

Kroma "No... no... not... Jessica. She was... SHE WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO DIDN'T TREAT ME LIKE A WEIRDO!!! YOU BASTARD!!!!"

Charged by an uncontrollable rage, the young girl leaps onto the creature's back, ruthlessly assailing its emerald exoskeleton, splattering her face with viridian ichor. Like a coiled spring, the creature's legs contract and it shoots off, unseating her. Colliding against a wall, the Grasshopper raises its pincer-like claws to its head, struggling to steady its dazed state.

Diana "Good! That fucker has a concussion! Now is our chance! Le-

Kroma "Shut up! I will fight him alone! This fight is mine to take! So, please... Lady Diana. Let me have this."

Her eyes spark with an indomitable resolve, an emotion more potent than anything the Aspect of Law has ever perceived, notwithstanding her recent experiences. Cradling Tom's gelatinous form, Diana edges backward. Her nod towards Kroma is full of silent encouragement, a tacit endorsement saying, "Go get him, kiddo!".

Tom "Unhand me, you brute! How cruel of you to leave her in such mercy of our enemy!"

Diana "Yo, chill. Don't you believe in her? I think she can beat it."

Tom "I do... it's just that I feel it is too early for her to take such a risk. This type of development only happens later on a hero's journey."

Diana "Listen, buddy. Does she look like a hero to you? Not to burst your bubble, but there's no such thing as a perfect hero. Not a single person alive will save someone without a reason. Everyone has their motive.... even me. I once thought that I was the kind of hero you value but in the end... To be honest, I just want to protect my friends. I just want to protect you guys. So that we can hang out when everything becomes peaceful again."

Tom "That's... that's the closest thing to the very hero I desire. You are probably wondering why I want to assist such an ideal hero. It isn't because there wasn't a hero to save me at the time of my demise. It's something else, completely. A deep existential dread, born from absolute fear."

Diana "What do you mean? That sounds fucked up."

Tom "When I was inside the sea of consciousness within the queen's body, I heard two loud voices. However, as I rummaged through the halls of souls, I couldn't find the source of these voices. I gave up and decided to listen in more carefully. One of the voices was feminine, her words were smooth, delicate, kind, and filled with a motherly aura. She was arguing with a male voice, one filled with disdain, anger, and undiluted malice. The conversation was about the ever-growing hatred the male voice has toward Earth and the female voice trying to calm him down. The exact words of such a conversation have slipped from my mind over the course of time. But the most prominent words I remembered were "You big dumb salamander, Onee chan!"."

Diana "Okay... that is fucking weird but the word "salamander" does ring a bell. I can't remember exactly why since I did spend a few years away from my group. Anyways, forget about that. Looks like Kroma is doing quite well."

Tom observes the fight, noticing the significant damage inflicted on both parties. Kroma, adorned with a mosaic of contusions, and the Grasshopper, a tapestry of gashes. Suddenly, the creature lunges, landing a blow to Kroma's midriff, catapulting her into a nearby building. The townsfolk gasp, a courageous handful stepping forward to confront the menace. Kroma rises to her feet, brushing aside the crowd— a smug appears on her enemy.

Kroma "What are you waiting for, dirtbag?! I'm right here! Don't tell me your LEGS are too weak to get here!"

The Grasshopper pounds the earth with its right limb and charges forward... its legs suddenly fall off.

Kroma "Ha! The good old baiting technique. Usually, for fast bastards like you, I used my leg to trip but using this is WAY more effective."

Tom "How incredibly cunning of you, young Kroma?! I'm so proud!"

Kroma "Thanks, Tom. Lady Diana. Can I-

Diana "Don't get ahead of yourself, kid. You both should sit back. I'll deal with the rest of the bastards."

Diana departs the village, trailed by Kroma, Tom, and... Martin! Panting from the sprint, he reaches Kroma, bows, and offers her a mysterious object...

Martin "Thank you so much for protecting our town! I'm so sorry for being so harsh towards you in the past. Please forgive me and I hope this gift can suffice."

Kroma "Oh... umm... what is this weird thing? It looks like a gun. Like a pistol."

Martin "Well, it is an experimental weapon created by WPO to knock people out without pain similar to a tranquilizer gun. But this can be used limitlessly!"

Diana "Cool! This shit can come in handy! Thanks for the gift, bud. Kroma during the upcoming battle if you find any openings, you must shoot. Alright? And Tom, you will help her."

Tom/Kroma "Yes, Madam!"

Arriving at an oasis, they are jolted by a sudden splash. It's the Waterbug, seemingly oblivious to their presence. Its focus is riveted on a colorful kaleidoscope of fish darting through the azure pond.

Diana "Woah, why is there so many fish here?!"

Kroma "Oh no! This is the town's fish supply! You must stop it before-

With a speedy ploy, Diana grabs one of the Waterbug's appendages, tossing it out of the water. Momentarily upright, it clicks its colossal mandibles, before collapsing to the ground.

Diana "Huh?! Wow, that was easy as fuck. This thing is a joke but... just to make sure it is dead."

Diana towers over the creature, striking its chitinous chest plate. Jab! The creature's grotesque mandibles burrow into her fist's tender flesh. She suppresses a wince, her fist maintaining its relentless assault, ultimately piercing its neck. A gory surge of red sludge erupts from the Waterbug, tainting the serene pond.

Diana "Booya! Two down and two more to go!"

Kroma/ Tom "Lady, Diana! Watch out!"

A pair of mandibles pierce her back, narrowly missing her vital organs. Diana flashes a smile, her muscles constricting around the mandible tips, reducing them to rubble. With a swift motion, she rips them out, lobbing the shards at the Waterbug's head... it collapses.

Diana "Oh no. I'm not falling for your shit again! Hey! Kroma! Can you shoot things with your ring?"

Triggered by these words, the creature scrambles to its feet and bolts. Kroma unholsters her pistol, firing rounds at the fleeing form, but its resilient carapace deflects the bullets. The pursuit carries them further from the town, all the while observing the creature's red life-fluid coagulate, decelerating its pace. Abruptly, it halts and undergoes a stunning metamorphosis into a monstrous Antlion... it barely resembles a humanoid now.

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With vigorous spins, it burrows into the sand, creating a desert maelstrom that pulls everything toward its gnashing mandibles.

Kroma "What do we do now?! Lady Diana!"

Diana "Remain calm! I have an idea. A very brute-force idea. If this guy wants me so badly... Well, I guess he can have me!"

Diana catapults herself skyward, tucking in her elbow as she plummets toward the vortex's epicenter. Sensing the impending threat, the Antlion halts its whirlpool, frantically attempting to escape its self-dug pit. But it's futile. All it perceives next is the blinding white flare of scorching heat. Diana, akin to a fiery comet, descends, obliterating and incinerating the behemoth insect in a cataclysmic impact.

Diana "Okay... maybe that was a bit extreme. But on the bright side, this thing is super dead. I think... should I punch it to make sure?"

Kroma "Lady Diana, I think that is enough. Anyway, what you just did and what you did earlier. How... how did you get that much power?"

Tom "Yes, I agree with young Kroma. Your feats are astonishing! Perhaps even supernatural! What is the source of your power? May it be beneficial to share with people with goodwill such as us so we may make the world a better place."

Diana "Well, supernatural is kinda correct. It's a long story and you guys don't need to worry. You see the things I did was only possible through the help of a great master and lots of training. That is what counts!"

Kroma "Hmmm... Okay, you have secrets and I won't bother you since you have done much for us. Sorry to preach, Lady Diana!"

Tom "Aw yes! Looks like curiosity got the better of us. Please accept my sincere apology, Lady Diana."

Diana "All good. Come on, let's get moving!"

Diana leads the group towards the distant rock formation, steadily drawing closer. With each passing moment, Kroma's recognition of the structure intensifies. It reveals itself as a vast cave constructed from colossal sandstone slabs, forming an angular triangle.

Kroma "Oh no! That monster went in there! That's not good!"

Diana "Why?! What's wrong?!"

Kroma "I'm not sure. I know that it is filled with buried diamonds. But I also remembered a few residents once discussed about it being a famous historical sight with cavemen drawings. I just hope that the pillbug guy didn't mess around with them."

Tom "Not to worry! I'm positive that the meager creature is barely intelligent enough to ruin such a profound piece of history."

As they venture inside, the darkness envelops them. Diana shoulders the weight of Tom and Kroma, conjuring an item from her inventory. She retrieves a pair of night-vision goggles. Peering downwards, the Aspect of Law discovers a narrow bridge spanning a silent abyss. A mere step forward sets the bridge swaying. However, by adjusting the pressure on her feet, Diana regains stability, making the traverse significantly easier.

Diana "Whew! That was fucking close!"

On the other side, Diana's ears catch a peculiar sound— a cacophony akin to rocks being crushed under a rapid hydraulic press or the relentless assault of a jackhammer against unyielding concrete. She proceeds along a narrow path until she emerges into an open space, inexplicably bathed in light.

Kroma "I think we should sneak attack it. It must be eating the rocks or something."

Tom "Patience. Such rash action may be suited for foes we have intel about. I believe we should observe."

Diana "First, Let's see what the oversized pill bug is doing."

They cautiously peek around the corner, confirming Kroma's intuition. The creature voraciously devours rocks, its back adorned with an ever-expanding collection of smooth stones resembling polka dots. Reacting swiftly, Diana charges into the chamber, startling a swarm of fireflies congregating on the ceiling. Her fist strikes, shattering the rocks adorning the pillbug's back. The creature whirls around, panic coursing through its being, transforming into a defensive ball and rolling deeper into the caves.

Diana "Come back here! You coward!"

Tom "To be honest with you. If I were in a predicament... that is If I'm fighting you, I would've done the same action. No offense."

Diana "Nah, that was a compliment. I don't think that thing has gone far. Let's get him!"

Upon entering the large space, Diana sets Kroma and Tom down, their gazes drawn upward to witness a breathtaking sight— a vast expanse of the ceiling adorned with a myriad of twinkling fireflies. As they proceed, Tom's keen eyes detect something peculiar on the ground, driving a pause to investigate further.

It appears to be a mound of sand, interspersed with minuscule fragments of-

Tom "My god! Are these... No... it cannot be! Was that thing eating this?! This might be bad. Really bad!"

Diana "Enough with the suspense and just tell us already! What did that thing eat?"

Kroma "Yeah what did that-

In an instant, time seems to warp, and Diana witnesses a horrifying event unfold before her very eyes. The image etches itself painfully in her mind— the merciless convergence of five razor-sharp edges piercing through Kroma's left eye, neck, elbow, hips, and feet. It is only by sheer fortune that the object in question narrowly avoids rolling over her, a brush with Death of the most absolute magnitude.

Diana "KROMA!!! No! You will pay for that!"

With unwavering bravery, Diana charges headlong at the Pillbug, ready as it hurtles towards her. Meanwhile, Tom acts, extracting a sizable chunk from its body and slicing it into smaller fragments to mend Kroma's wounds. He then moistens each injury with his saliva, miraculously revitalizing her physical form to its fullest extent. Nevertheless, her consciousness remains trapped in a coma.

Tom "Sleep tight. Old Tom here will avenge you. Don't you worry..."

Drawing his gleaming blade, it catches glimmers of light... Tom leaps onto Diana's shoulders, his agile movements aiming for the creature's vulnerable edges. As the Pillbug relinquishes its spherical form, it begins to retreat. Yet, Diana takes the opportunity, firmly grasping its head within her broad and muscular hands.

Diana "Any last word you child-killing punk?! I'll make sure you will have equal judgment!"

The creature, overwhelmed by fear, is unable to muster a response. Diana releases a sigh, hurling it skyward. As it descends, she unleashes a relentless onslaught of punches, freezing the Pillbug in mid-air. Bruises give way to gaping holes, and those holes dissipate into oblivion— such is the destined fate of this adversary. Turning her attention back to Tom, she notices his mournful expression, a sadness so real that tears threaten to spill. Taking a seat beside him, Diana keeps a watchful vigil over Kroma.

Diana "She... she isn't dead. Is she?"

Tom "No. Fortunately, it is just a coma which I think is slightly below death. Poor little girl. I wished I could have been more careful."

Diana "You know I never get that. You cared for her a lot despite just meeting her today. Tell me... Does she remind you of someone?"

Tom "Yes... my daughter. I was a single parent and my spouse died when she was three. I feel distressed right now... knowing how long I have been gone. I believe she is most likely dead since at the time I was doing this magician act to pay my debt to the mafia. She was a clumsy and silly girl who lacked any form of fighting prowess. Seeing young Kroma here reminds me of her and so I wish for Kroma to be different. Strong and brave so she can survive in this cruel world. Yet at the same time have the heart of gold. An ideal hero."

Diana "Holy shit. That is one hell of a tragic backstory. I'm so sorry... I think the best thing to do... is to move on to a brighter future. One I believe will be brimming with justice! So that others may not feel the same pain!"

Tom "You sure know how to inspire people. I guess there is no need to hide it anymore. I'm, Tom Calsion. That is my full name!"

Diana "My full name is Diana Zakovov! Let's us bring her to a safer place."

Acknowledging Tom's nod, Diana carries Kroma tenderly in her arms, venturing out of the cavern's depths. Suddenly, a disc of luminous brown light descends from the heavens, obliterating the ground and leaving behind a symmetrical hole. Diana stows away her night-vision goggles and fixes her gaze upon the celestial expanse above. Amongst the drifting clouds, a comet hurtles towards them, gradually revealing its true nature— The Unknown being.

?? "-.-- --- ..- ....... .- .-. . ....... ... - .-. --- -. --. . .-. ....... - .... .- -. ....... .. ....... .. -- .- --. .. -. . .-.-.-"

Diana "Oh Hell Nah! Was that Morse code?! I ain't dealing with this shit right now! So get out of the way!"

?? "...- . .-. -.-- ....... .--. .-.. .-.. .-.-.- ....... . -. --- ..- --. .... ....... - .- .-.. -.- .-.-.- ....... .-.. . - .----. ... ....... -.. ..- . .-.. .-.-.-"

Diana launches a punch, yet the creature dodges her strike. Its veins intertwine, transforming into a blade infused with resonant brown energy. In a devastating blow, it severs her arm- Diana takes her own severed limb, harnessing her will to deliver a punch that leaves the creature visibly stunned.

?? "- .... .- - ....... .-- .- ... ....... ... ..- .-. .--. .-. .. ... .. -. --. .-.-.- ....... -.-- --- ..- ....... -.. . ... . .-. ...- . ....... -- -.-- ....... -. .- -- . .-.-.- ....... .. ....... -.-. .- .-.. .-.. ....... -- -.-- ... . .-.. ..-. --..-- ....... -.. --- --- -- .-.-.-"

Diana "The fuck are you on about! I don't understand!"

Diana channels all her strength into a powerful uppercut aimed at the entangled mass of veins. However, her blow rebounds upon impact.

Diana "Dammit it's like the thing is immune to damage! That doesn't make sense! It is made of veins and eyes!"

Tom "Hold on! Lady Diana, I have an idea! I just need you to hold the abomination in place."

Diana "What? Okay, I'll try my best!"

Tom expels a concentrated globule of saliva that lands on her severed arm. Swiftly seizing the limb, she reattaches it to her body. Diana launches herself at the creature, attempting to grapple it, but it effortlessly evades her grasp. It darts around her, leaving behind illusory afterimages, and mercilessly punctures her with a barrage of strikes, opening wounds that begin to bleed, Faced with her own mortality, Diana's thoughts dart to the ground beneath her.

An idea takes shape, and she swiftly scoops up a handful of sand, unleashing it in a wave, disorienting the creature's multitude of eyes. Taking the chance, Diana latches onto -.. --- --- -- while Tom retrieves the special gun from Kroma's pocket.

He relentlessly fires shots at -.. --- --- --, its effects lulling the creature into drowsiness.

-.. --- --- -- "-. --- .-.-.- ....... -. --- - ....... -.-- . - .-.-.- ....... .. ....... -- ..- ... - ....... .-. . - ..- .-. -. ....... - --- ....... .- . - . .-. -. ..- -- .-.-.-"

Tom tosses Sarah's ring to Diana, who grasps it tightly. With the ring in hand, she carves open the monstrous creature, delivering a decisive blow that brings about its demise. Tom quickly joins her side, slowly patching up her wounds.

Diana "We. We did it! We fucking did it!"

Tom "Yes, now Kroma's safety is secured! Let's deliver her back to the village!"

Drawing nearer to the town, a sizable crowd awaits them, even larger than the one Diana encountered during her arrival. As the townsfolk catch sight of her, they part, creating a path. At the heart of the town stands her mary band of friends.

Claire and Sarah rush towards her, enveloping her in an enthusiastic hug-tackle.

Sarah "Holy shit man! I thought you were a goner! And look at you! Buff as hell! That is so cool!"

Claire "I'm glad you are okay! We all are!"

Kanji "Glad, you are alright! But who are those two?... You know what. You look tired how about you guys rest for today and we'll talk next thing tomorrow."

With Kroma in their arms, Diana and Tom make their way toward the RV, receiving concerned glances from the residents along the way.